Crisis!

My most beloved beauty tool appears to be quickly on its way to the true death...my Clarisonic Mia.  If you've never used one of these gems, I highly encourage it. It uses the same technology that the Clarisonic Sonicare toothbrushes do, except for your face. It leaves my face feeling great;  so clean, smooth and healthy. They are pricey but worth it. Fingers crossed that mine is still under warranty...I've heard great things about their customer service. Mine acted funny a couple weeks ago but I plugged it in to charge and it kept on trucking. Today I didn't have that luck. It won't stay on and its not charging :'( Have any of you had any experience with Clarisonic and/or their customer service?  Feedback is appreciated!

Self Restraint in the Makeup Aisle

19 days in to my Lenten sacrifice of no makeup or purse purchases. Its been difficult but I have been faithful!  No stops in Sephora, bypassing Ulta and total avoidance of the makeup aisle has helped...makeup has certainly been more difficult than purses!  I've been keeping a mental note of things to buy once Easter is here and at the top of that list are several MAC products (glosses and eye shadows)!  During the last 19 days I have been watching lots of makeup tutorials on YouTube hoping that during this time I can perfect some skills like highlighting and contouring. I'll link to my favorites from my computer in a bit.
A recent fun purchase I made was an Origami Owl locket! If you aren't familiar, these "living lockets" are customizable with cute little charms, plates, dangles, etc. I'm a total sucker for this stuff!  If you're interested in making one, get with my girl Brandy Hudson. I'll post her website here shortly :)
Any products you feel I should add to my post-Lent list? 

New Beauty TestTube

It was a delightful surprise today to see this hot pink box at my door!  About a month ago I signed up for New Beauty TestTube which is a product sampling program. The TestTube comes out quarterly and is filled with excitement in the form of assorted products and New Beauty magazine (I enrolled prior to deciding to give up makeup for Lent).  My first impression was great; hot pink box, fun hot pink test tube, a super thick issue of New Beauty mag and a brochure detailing each of the items received. So what was in my tube?  A full sized Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 hour blush in Flush, a sample sized Vichy Liftactiv Serum, a sample sized Vichy Liftactive Eyes ("potent anti-aging formulas that target the most stubborn signs of aging"), a sample pack (5 pack) of Simple cleansing face wipes, a deluxe sample of Stila Face the Day multi-use moisturizing gel cream, a full sized Dr. Brandt Pores No More cleanser and a deluxe sample of Phyto Botanical hair relaxing balm (the only product I will be passing on since I dont straighten my hair). All in all, a great introduction to New Beauty TestTube!  I love getting full sized products in Birchbox but its not always a guarantee...seems like I wont be disappointed in this department with TestTube!  However, I am curious as to whether or not I would enjoy the QVC TestTube more?  I love Mally Beauty, Philosophy, etc but am hoping that those brands may be in the regular Tube. I'm already excited for my next Tube to show up at my door!

The Ultimate Sacrifice

Happy Fat Tuesday!!  One last day of gluttony and indulgence before Lent...aka the 40 days of spiritual preparation prior to Easter.  During this time, Catholics (and other denominations) fast and give up certain luxuries as a form of penitence.  Well, this year I am making the ultimate sacrifice.  For the next 40 days I am giving up purchasing makeup, purses, shoes and all other accessories.  I can honestly say I don't know that I have ever gone 40 days without purchasing makeup, a purse (or two), shoes, etc.  It will be a true test of willpower.  It may sound like a silly thing to sacrifice for Lent, but if you know me or have read this blog, you probably know its a big deal!  So, I will be spending the next 40 days "shopping" for makeup in my overstocked vanity and blogging about this experience :)  Wish me luck and send lots of prayers!!

The Unforgivable Beauty Sins!

So, I'm all about trying new and exciting things in the world of beauty to help me look and feel my best.   However, there are a few beauty no-no's that I will NEVER try or subscribe to...

1. Tanning:  Come on, girls.  Its 2013.  We know all about the dangers of indoor and outdoor tanning.  A tan (from the sun or from the bed) is your skins way of letting you know its been burnt.  Literally.  UVA and UVB exposure alters our DNA, damages our skin, causes wrinkles and causes cancer.  As a pale skinned, blue eyed, fair haired girl, I know that I am at the highest risk for developing skin cancer but that doesn't mean you should throw caution to the wind if you have darker skin.  I know too many girls my age and younger who have faced skin cancer issues due to destructive tanning habits.  And honestly, tan skin may make you look youthful but that's only for a short period of time.  Consistent tanning WILL age you prematurely and it doesn't take years for the damage to show.  A college acquaintance who shall remain nameless tanned obsessively...she tanned four or five times a week and finally thought she'd save money and bought a tanning bed for her apartment.  She was mistaken for my mom in a photograph...I'm older than she is.  Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for young people 15-29 years old.  Stop doing it...its that simple.  Sunless tanning products have improved and the variety of bronzers out on the market is unbelievable.  Give those a try!

2.  Curl Wars:  Trust me, I understand the curly hair battle.  I fought mine for years.  But I'm going to be brutally honest with you straightening iron freaks...your hair doesn't look very pretty.  In fact, it looks like a broom.  Those aren't easy words to say, so please don't think I'm being snarky, vicious or nasty.  I wish someone had told me "Hey, Ash, when you straighten your curls, your hair looks like straw!".   I paid stylists actual money to make my hair look like a broom.  That fact baffles me today, even when my hair is crazy, frizzy or just grumpy.  Love your curls!  Take the time to take care of them.  Save up and splurge on a great cut and style (go see Larry Bragg, curly girls!).  Check out message boards (Naturallycurly.com) for inexpensive product suggestions to help make your hair look gorgeous.  

3.  Lip Service:  A visible lip liner terrifies me.  Unless its Halloween, your lip liner should ALWAYS match and be blended with your lip stick or gloss.  

4.  The Mask:  Foundation should help create a smooth, flawless canvas, not look like its been applied with a spackling tool.  If finding the right shade is daunting, don't be afraid to stop at a makeup counter at Macys or go to Sephora or Ulta for assistance.  If you have problem skin, there are some great full coverage foundations that won't give that caked on mask appearance.  And don't forget your jaw line...your face and neck should match.  Start with a small amount of foundation and blend, blend, blend.  

5.  Nailed:  My final beauty sin is chipped nail polish.  Now, I know I am OCD about my nails...I'm the girl who will bite off my polish if one nail has chipped.  But aside from a rushed morning or not realizing your polish has flaked off until you've gotten to work, there's no excuse for it.  If you've got a busy week or don't have time, leave them bare.  Or, try the at home "gel" polish mani described here.  


BIG news coming tomorrow!  I'm taking a plunge that already has me shaking in my shoes.  Its something I've never even tried before.  Here is a hint...its going to last 40 days!

The Magic's in the Makeup

Makeup can be magic and one of the first magicians I can remember knowing was Kevin Aucoin. If you don't know of Kevyn Aucoin, please Google him!  The man was a renowned makeup artist and his books are truly the Bibles of beauty. He sadly passed away in 2002, but not before leaving a permanent mark on the world of makeup artistry. His books, specifically Making Faces and Face Forward, have been my go-to beauty books since high school. I remember pouring over them in college, attempting to replicate the gorgeous faces on the pages before me. I still go to these books for inspiration and ideas. These books not only cover the basics, from skin care to foundation, highlighting to lips and provide step by step instruction, but provide celebrity makeovers and glimpses into Kevyn's life. I couldn't have a beauty blog without singing his praises ♥ Time to go find a look for the Luke Bryan concert tomorrow night! 

Did this fuel my lipgloss obsession?

My favorite look 

These are a few of my favorite things...Benefit edition

Benefit makeup is fun...the names, the packaging and most importantly, the products. I thought I'd take a minute and share a few of my Benefit favorites ♥
Pore-fessional is a primer that minimizes the appearance of pores. It also provides a great matte finish and feels makes me skin feel incredible. When its time for a new primer, the full sized version of this will be coming home with moi!
Boiing is an industrial strength concealer; its good but I think I'll be trying something else next time. Maybe Benefit Erase Paste? I've heard great things about it. I have a hard time with concealers...and am open to suggestions!
Next up is Watt's Up, a gorgeous gold toned soft focus highlighter. The full sized product has a blending sponge on opposite end of the product. I love this stuff!!  I also got a little tiny Watt's Up from Sephora which has lasted a really long time.
Speaking of highlighters, my other ♥ is High Beam, which is a gorgeous luminescent, pearly soft pink shade. Its perfect for my pale skin.
My last Benefit fave is They're Real mascara which does wonders with my lashes. Its my favorite mascara!!!

My need to try list of Benefit products is always growing...Im interested in their new foundation. If you've tried it, let me know!  What other Benefit goodies are on your favorite list?

Obligatory Super Bowl Post

On this snowy Super Bowl Sunday, I'm wishing I had a Mountaineer to root for today.  I'm pulling for San Fran; supporting fellow adoptee Colin Kaepernick!  I'm eagerly anticipating the obvious...Beyonce's halftime performance and of course, the commercials.  Like everyone else, I loved the leaked Budweiser Clydesdale commercial!  I will be participating in helping name the foal during the game...I'm brainstorming names as we speak.

Bare Miner-ows!!

My FB feed has been lit up today with questions about Bare Minerals. A couple years ago, I ordered the little travel kit from Sephora. It came with a little kabuki brush, foundation, mineral veil and maybe blush. I dove right in and was sold...my skin looked great!  I ordered the full size kit with excitement. I had found the holy grail of foundation!  About a month into use, my skin started looking and feeling funny. My eczema was flaring up, my skin was painful in some areas and I had little bumps everywhere. Not connecting that I had recently started using Bare Minerals, I kept my makeup routine and broke out every salve known to man to help my irritated skin. A few weeks later, it clicked. Bare Minerals was eating my face!!!!  I Googled and found other who had experienced bad reactions as well. Problem solved...several weeks after discontinuing use, my skin calmed down. Sephora even returned both kits, no questions asked (their customer service is fab ♥).  I now stay away from all mineral makeup and share my experiences with as many inquisitive girls as possible.  I recommend getting the travel kit to start if you really want to try it.  Or buy from a place with a great return policy :)
On a side note, I can use their eyeshadow and love the READY shadows!!  The Buxom gloss is also fab!

So...just a random assortment of things this eve. Remember that link I posted Tuesday about the knock off gel mani?  Painted them Sunday eve and they still look gorgeous! Photographic proof is below. Zero chips or nicks, no peeling up at the bottoms. I am super impressed!  A regular polish application would not last four days for me. I even scraped labels off wine bottles with these nails. And yes, that's my cat on my lap with my nails. She's a diva.

Exciting find at the Vickis Secret Semi Annual this year...their lipgloss in Innocent, which is a dupe for NARS Turkish Delight, for $3!!!  One of my favorite shades super cheap!  Its the perfect pale pink.  They still carry this shade in their "new formula" for $14.

Tomorrow is Feb 1...almost time for a new Birchbox!!  I'm also super pumped to start getting New Beauty TestTube!  Sigh, I have a problem ♥

The Daily Grind

Makeup excites me!  I think having the tools and ability to enhance (and some days straight up improve) my features is fun!  I am a product junkie. New colors, shades, collections, palates, tips and secrets make me giddy like a schoolgirl!  That being said, I try to keep my morning routine simple, clean and natural. To start, I use a primer which I apply following my moisturizer. Right now, I'm loving NARS Pro-Prime multi-protect primer. Next, I apply foundation. I'm using Loreal BB Cream in fair. I love this stuff!  Benefit boiing concealer comes next which I apply with an IT Cosmetics brush. Put on a little Clinique powder and my face is ready. For blush and highlight, I'm using some fantastic samples from Birchbox from the Balm. I love this stuff!!  Hot Mama is the blush and Mary-Lou Manizer is the highlight.
Next, the eyes. I use MAC Vanilla all over my eyelids. Next I apply MAC Satin Taupe in the crease with a small angeled ELF brush and blend with NYX Aloha, using an ELF shadow brush. I highlight my browbone, inner corners of my eye, and the dip of my upper lip with Mary-Lou.  I line my upper and lower lashes. with Avon Glimmersticks in Chocolate Brown then finish with multiple coats of Smashbox Full Exposure mascara.
Finally, lips. Now, I'm taking a leap here and sharing photographic evidence of (the majority) of my lipgloss, lipstick, lip products (ok, its only about half of my stash. No judgements♥). 
That's my daily face!  It took longer to describe than it takes to do.  Feel free to leave me feedback, questions, comments...anything! 

I am a proud curly girl. This is not a statement that has always come out of my mouth. For years I fought my curls...products, tools, tips and tricks; anything to (try to) give me straight hair! I envied Gwyneth Paltrow and all the other glossy, straight haired bitches girls. Why did I get STUCK with these curls?? It was the source of teasing, name calling and much strife. Not to mention falling victim to some horrendous cuts via the salons of Southern West Virginia (I'm over it ladies; you did the best you could). But even among the turmoil, name calling and curly madness, women would compliment my hair. I never understood it. What were these women smoking??

The tides started to shift. In high school and college, I started embracing my curls; well, most of the time. There were still days that ended with me in tears, in hair styles that looked absurd, curls all in a mess. I walked out of salons with straight up mortifying "styles". For any stylists out there, here's a bit of advice...don't ever comb curly hair (a wide toothed comb is ok when its wet); don't run your fingers through it while your drying it; always use a diffuser (a plastic one, not a sock-like one); don't "thin" my hair and never ever under any circumstances recommend a chemical straightener. Do. Not. Do. It. I've walked out of dozens of shops and immediately pulled my hair up or went home to re-wet it and style it again. After moving to Charleston, 712 Salon was recommended to me by a friend. I read their reviews on Yelp and was stunned to see a stylist there lauded for his work with curly (or curlee, if you please) hair. My curl life was about to change. There I found the amazing Larry Bragg. The man who would turn my hair into gorgeous ringlets...who would cause me to tear up after our first appointment and admit I had never felt this good, EVER, after leaving a salon. The only man (and woman or child for that matter) who I will let touch my hair. It goes without saying that I love him. Seriously, West Virginia curly girls, call him! Their number is: (304) 382-0712. Make an appointment! If you don't live around here, drive here. You can eat at Pies and Pints and go to Ulta AND Sephora (Charleston is movin' on up). Or just find a Deva stylist near you.

Larry was trained using the Deva Curl method which is an all-inclusive approach to cutting, coloring and styling. The products are fab (and I'm so desperately wanting one of their driers/diffusers combos). The Deva Curl mastermind, Lorraine Massey literally wrote the book on curls...The Curly Girl Handbook. This is the Bible of all things curl. I encourage you to check it out.

I recently added a new step to my styling and that is plopping. I know, it sounds delightfully glamorous and looks as hot as it sounds. However, it seriously cuts down on drying time like whoa for me. A little instructional and video can be found from my friends at NaturallyCurly.com. I would attempt a description but its best that I don't.  I also did a coconut oil treatment and my hair loved it!!  If you're wanting to try coconut oil, get extra virgin, non-refined.  This is what I use...

Just slather it on and let sit.  I used Deva Curl No Poo to cleanse the oil out of my hair after about 45 mins-1 hour.  It only took me one wash but I read some blogs and boards that indicated it took some ladies two or more washes with various shampoos.

Seriously, curlee girls...love your curls!! Its easier said than done, I know, but they (and you) are beautiful! This is such an Oprah moment and I apologize. I won't suggest a Gratitude Journal but if you want to start one, list your curls as Number One! Curls really are so unique and fun...straight hair is just boring! 

Feedback?  Questions?  What works for you?  What doesnt?  Let me know!!  I love all things curlee!

A mani that lasts

If you've ever been around me for any period of time, you've probably seen me peeling off my nail polish. I have this issue; when one nail chips, its all gotta come off. Call me crazy, OCD or just girly but I've always been this way. This "issue" is easily rectified with a gel polish...however those puppies are pricey!  Thanks to my beloved Pinterest, I stumbled upon this genius post...http://ramblingsfromyourstruly.blogspot.com/2012/12/at-home-gel-manicure.html?m=1
Last night, pre-SAG Awards, I got busy on my at home gel mani. The results...amazing!  The process was simple, my nails are super glossy and it was much cheaper than going to a salon.
Here's a pic 24 hours in...ignore my dirty diamond!  Run to your nearest Sally Beauty for the gel polish. I found the same brand as the instructions but used Seche Vite top coat. Good luck and happy cheap gel mani!
♥

Well, here I am...joining the world of blogging.  I have always liked sharing my obsessions, favorites, likes and dislikes relating to all things beauty and what better place to do it?

I started today signing up for NewBeauty TestTube the ultimate beauty sampling program aka my dream come true!  I can't freaking wait to get my first one. I've been a member of Birchbox now for over a year and I love it.  Their customer service is fantastic, I love getting points (aka cash) for reviewing the products, it comes in a fabulous package each month and its just fun!  I'll post by Feb box here as soon as it arrives!